Tourist Industry Struggles

Cheyenne, Wy – Tourist numbers are expected to be high this summer, but restaurants and hotels across Wyoming may still struggle to make a profit. The Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association's Lynn Birleffi says the state's worker shortage makes it particularly hard to hire seasonal workers. Add to that higher utility costs for hotels and higher food costs and Birleffi says the hospitality industry is struggling.Birleffi says tourists probably won't see much change. But she says some businesses may be in the red by the end of the summer.